Gerald August Christensen

NAME GERALD AUGUST CHRISTENSEN,age 71, of Port Richey, FL, formerly of Elburn, passed away on June 23, 2009.BORN: He was born January 19, 1938, the son of Marvin and Maybelle (Hanson) Christensen in Maple Park, IL. EARLY YEARS:He grew up on a farm south of Elburn helping to tend the fields and livestock while attending local schools. Gerry graduated from High School in 1956. EDUCATION: Jerry graduated from high school and went on to attend a year of college before concentrating on a full time job at Jewel as a meat cutter. MARRIAGE: He was united in marriage to Janice Stouffer on February 21, 1959 at the Community Congregational Church in Elburn, IL. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They made their home in Elburn for many years before moving to Port Richey, FL in 2002. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Growing up on a farm taught Jerry a strong work ethic that followed him during his years of employment. He worked for Jewel as a meat cutter and later became department manager. Later he worked for the Kane County Highway Department before retiring in 1996. MEMBERSHIPS: He was a proud and faithful member of the Community Congregational Church of Elburn for many years. LIFE NOTES: Jerry led an active lifestyle. He met every physical challenge head-on with a strength of spirit that couldn’t be matched. When Jerry was feeling well, he and Jan liked to walk three miles in the morning, bike twelve miles a day and play golf in the afternoon. He was a very competitive golfer and when he wasn’t physically able to get out on the links, Jerry and Jan would spend hours playing games on the Nintendo Wii. He would always look forward to summertime fishing in Birchwood, WI, with his brother, sons, son-in-law and grandson. Jerry was a perfectionist when it came to many things, but especially woodworking. He made one-of-a-kind end tables, cabinets and more in his basement for friends and family. His greatest joys were his family. Many fond memories were made working side by side with his children and grandchildren. Those and thousands of others will be cherished for years to come by all who knew and loved him. SURVIVORS: He now leaves his loving wife Jan, Two sons:Kevin (Gail) Christensen of Oregon, IL and Curt (Mary) Christensen of Ashton, IL;One daughter, Teresa (Glenn) Orman of Elburn, IL;Six grandchildren:Debra Christensen of Los Angeles, CA, Kelly Christensen of Ashton, IL, Michelle Christensen, also of Ashton, IL, Danielle (Andrew) Stombres of Elburn, Rebecca (Timothy) Schultz of Kaneville, IL and Matthew Orman of Elburn, IL;Three great-grandchildren:Isabelle, Claire and Cooper Stombres, all of Elburn. PRECEDED:He now joins his parents and two brothers, Dick Christensen and his infant twin brother Russell, who preceded him in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Private family services have already been held. A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn. Rev. David Bateman will officiate. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name to benefit Hernando/Pasco Hospice. Checks may be made to the "Gerald Christensen Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Private family services have already been held.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn. Rev. David Bateman will officiate